One of my present major heart aches is the lack of integrity in our speech. It’s everywhere. You expect to see the deterioration in certain circles, where the young are reaching out and discovering the world around them, testing limits, pushing boundaries, but the circle has grown. Everyone and their dog it seems has decided the ‘F’ word is acceptable, and in all conversations.
The argument is that language evolves. Those words that were taboo in the 18th century are common place now. So what’s the big deal?
The big deal? Well….to begin with – RESPECT.
I’m not going to dislike you if you cuss, but I certainly will have trouble respecting you. Whether or not you value my opinion, others will have trouble respecting you as well.
Whether you are reading this as a believer in Christ, or not, I think everyone would agree that our words reflect character, but what kind?
What do you want to be known for? What do you want to be trusted with? Who do you represent?
Our words don’t just define who we are, but those we love. Our words affect everyone around us. Are we building people up every where we turn, or are we carelessly tearing them down? Perhaps the profanity is out of ignorance or unintentional, but the spirit behind cursing is just that – a curse.
Mike Keepe The Denver Post 03/16/07
Humankind, we’ve got such a ‘bandwagon’ mentality. Just because someone else is saying it, or doing it as in the case of this cartoon – doesn’t mean we should too. You’re not that other person, you’re you. Be the best YOU, you can be, and for your sake, your future’s sake, your spouse’s sake, your children’s sake – question what you are saying and doing all the time.
The Bible is very clear about the power of the tongue, and the destruction it can unleash. My low self worth as a child attests to the power of an undisciplined parent’s tongue. My years of parenting were spent analyzing every word I spoke, and I made mistakes. Today, I continue to analyze what I read, what I watch, and what I say because I want to be a woman of godly character. I want to be respected, and trusted, and loved. I choose to encourage others, and challenge others to wholeness with my words. Most importantly I want to represent Christ, not only with my actions, but my speech as well.
Verses to look up: https://www.openbible.info/topics/our_speech